'100 IAF Aircraft Participated in Iran Attack Drill'

The Israel Air Force carried out a major exercise earlier this month and U.S. officials say it appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the New York Times reported Friday. The NYT website reported that "several American officials said the Israeli exercise appeared to be an effort to develop the military’s capacity to carry out long-range strikes and to demonstrate the seriousness with which Israel views Iran’s nuclear program."

According to the report, more than 100 Israeli F-16 and F-15 fighters participated in the maneuvers, which were carried out over the eastern Mediterranean and over Greece during the first week of June.

The exercise reportedly also included helicopters that could be used to rescue downed pilots. The helicopters and refueling tankers flew more than 900 miles, which is about the same distance between Israel and Iran’s uranium enrichment plant at Natanz.